A lancing device includes a housing, a lancet carrier translational within the housing, a drive spring for propelling the lancet carrier through a translational lancing stroke, and a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism includes a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier to a retracted or charged state.
